The estimated NOI and cap rate value the property at around $750k.Are there any other creative financing strategies that I could employ to acquire this property? 

I have to agree with @Eduardo Sanabria, a property over $300,000 takes much longer and it's harder to sell in the area.On the other hand, great deals of rent and hold properties are much common in the area due to the massive renter's market, El Paso is full of renters due to Ft Bliss and the universities in the area.Good luck in your next flip! 

Whereas, if I take the deed before starting the fix and flip, I would be subject to this tax (and possibly self employment tax too) since I'd have the deed for a few months?

Good deals are not as common as people like to think.

You can definitely just escrow these funds with the title company as part of the refinance transaction and still close the loan, this is fairly common practice, I've done it before myself for similar situations.

The most common method of making connections is simply reaching out and asking for connections.The most successful investors are also the most efficient, and not only nail the follow up, but also take the time to really get to know and understand the ideal candidates for their next investing opportunity.Not all of us with the will and way have the means to develop a business idea to full potential.

I've seen the mistakes people make, the excuses, the common misconceptions, the cognitive biases, the improper use of capital, time and other resources.

If you have good equity and are employed, you should be able to find a lender willing to help out.

(I'm sure this is pretty common for most counties)

If you are seeking conventional lending, you are self-employed and you have W-2 income in any fiscal year, and if you stop working for any agency or company where you earned W-2 income, you will have a more challenging time getting loans.